Program

Day 1: Monday, September 11

The issue of immigration is as fraught as it has been in decades. María Blanco, executive director of the Undocumented Legal Services Center at the UC Davis School of Law, and Professor Aziz Huq of the University of Chicago, will offer a nuanced view of current immigration issues.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaks in conversation with Judge Ann Claire Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. This is an opportunity to hear Justice Ginsburg, who has served on the nation’s highest court since 1993, discuss her life and career. Justice Ginsburg was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015 and is the best-selling author of My Own Words (2016).

Confused about the ever-shifting health care landscape? Hear Dr. James Madara, CEO of the American Medical Association; Maurice Smith, CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois; and Eric Zimmerman, partner at McDermott, Will & Emery (D.C. office) and president of the American Health Lawyers Association, discuss the current situation and offer their thoughts on the future of health care in America.

James L. Madara, MD, CEO, American Medical Association

Maurice Smith, President, BCBSIL

Eric Zimmerman, partner, McDermott, Will & Emery; president, AHLA

Moderated by Melissa Hogan, dean of the College of Pharmacy, Roosevelt University

Panelists will discuss the role of economic justice in the American Dream. Since the country’s earliest days, Americans have generally been more interested in maximizing opportunity, even if it comes at the expense of equality. This panel will explore whether there can be a balance between competing claims of equality and opportunity.

Harvard University Professor Danielle Allen will discuss her latest book, Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A. A searing family memoir, Cuz is not just an expression of Allen’s grief over the death of a beloved cousin, but a critique of America’s prison system and the national failure of education.

Danielle Allen, Harvard University and MacArthur Fellow; author, Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A.

Moderated by Heather Dalmage, sociology professor and director, Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation, Roosevelt University

Welcome by Melvin L. Katten, Roosevelt University trustee

Reception and Book Signing to follow

Day 3: Wednesday, September 13

George Mason University professor and renowned economist Tyler Cowen will discuss his most recent book, The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream in a conversation with political commentator Bill Kristol. Cowen will offer his thoughts on the great stagnation he believes has occurred in America, more comfortable and complacent but less open to dynamic change and innovation.

Tyler Cowen, economist, George Mason University; author, The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream

Moderated by Bill Kristol, founder and editor at large, The Weekly Standard; political commentator

Former presidential adviser David Axelrod and political commentator Bill Kristol will offer their perspectives on the unprecedented 2016 election. In addition to discussing its hows and whys, they will also offer analyses of where we stand now and where we might be headed as a nation.

David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama; political commentator

Bill Kristol, founder and editor at large, The Weekly Standard; political commentator

Moderated by David Faris, political science professor, Roosevelt University